Afghan Stories of Resistance: A Conversation with Rod Nordland

A conversation with:
Rod Nordland
International Correspondent
New York Times
Author of “The Lovers: Afghanistan’s Romeo and Juliet, the True Story of How They Defied Their Families and Escaped an Honor Killing”

Introduced and Moderated by:
Amb. James B. Cunningham
Senior Fellow and Khalilzad Chair, South Asia Center
Atlantic Council
 

In his new book, "The Lovers," New York Times Correspondent Rod Nordland chronicles the true story of Zakia and Ali, a couple desperately fighting against the status quo in Afghanistan. Nordland follows the couple's harrowing experience on the run from their families, and their encounters with Afghan and US government officials who try to shape their fate. A case study of the tradition of honor killings and Afghan encounters with the foreigners who have come to reform their country, "The Lovers" offers readers a look into the limits of Western influence on fundamental Islamic culture and the role of women in Afghanistan. Join us for a discussion on Nordland's new book and on stories of resistance in Afghanistan.